Kyiv theater reimagines Homer’s Odyssey to reflect Ukraine’s war

The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater in Kyiv is preparing to premiere “Odysseus, Maeotis,” a contemporary reimagining of Homer’s epic poem through the lens of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The production features a cast of professional actors alongside active-duty soldiers, including Daniil Mireshkin, who portrays Odysseus.

Director Ivan Uryvskyi stated that the play was written from scratch, utilizing the core narrative arc of Odysseus’ journey home to explore themes of exile, captivity, and the struggle for identity. The staging replaces mythological monsters like the Cyclops and sirens with modern warfare elements, such as buzzing drones and robotic war machines.

The production aims to address the critical necessity of return, specifically regarding military personnel transitioning back to civilian life and the reclamation of Ukrainian territories. The premiere has faced multiple delays due to Russian attacks.